Chronic Constipation - Qi Constipation Pattern
TCM differentiation and treatment for chronic constipation
Chronic Constipation · Qi Constipation Pattern
Updated: June 23, 2026
Reviewed by: Dr. Li Wei, DACM
Reading Time: 7 min
Body Area: Abdomen
Pattern Overview
Qi Constipation is a common pattern in chronic constipation,
characterized by **pelvic floor dyssynergia, difficult defecation,
abdominal distension, and frequent sighing**. The core pathogenesis is
Qi stagnation in the intestines, causing impaired intestinal
motility and pelvic floor dyssynergia.
Key Symptoms and Differentiation Points
| Differentiation Dimension | Manifestations |
|---|
| Primary Symptoms |
|---|
sensation of incomplete evacuation |
| Associated Symptoms |
|---|
irritability, belching |
| Tongue and Pulse |
|---|
pulse |
| Pathogenesis |
|---|
|
| Etiology |
|---|
distress, irregular diet |
Acupuncture Point Prescription
| Point | Location | Function |
|---|
| Taichong (LR3) |
|---|
metatarsals | Source point of Liver meridian; soothes Liver Qi |
| Tianshu (ST25) | 2 cun lateral to the umbilicus |
|---|
of Large Intestine; regulates bowel function |
| Zhigou (TE6) |
|---|
| Treats constipation and regulates the Triple Energizer |
| Yanglingquan (GB34) | Depression below the head of the fibula |
|---|
Regulates Qi and relieves pain |
| Zhongwan (RN12) | 4 cun above the umbilicus |
|---|
Stomach; harmonizes the Stomach |
Clinical Recommendation: Filament needle, reducing method; combine
with breathing exercises and lifestyle modifications.
Herbal Formula
Base Formula: Liu Mo Tang (六磨汤)
Composition:
Lignum Aquilariae (Chen Xiang), Aucklandia (Mu Xiang), Areca (Bing
Lang), Lindera (Wu Yao), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhi Shi), Rhubarb (Da
Huang)
Action: Promotes Qi flow, regulates Qi, and relieves constipation.
Modifications
| Associated Symptoms | Additions/Subtractions |
|---|
| Severe abdominal distension |
|---|
relieve distension |
| Stress-related | Add Chai Hu, Bai Shao to soothe Liver Qi |
|---|
| Chronic condition | Add Huang Qi, Dang Shen to supplement Qi |
|---|
| Poor appetite | Add Sha Ren, Mu Xiang to harmonize the Stomach |
|---|
Western Mechanism Reference
Pelvic floor dyssynergia with paradoxical contraction of the external
anal sphincter during defecation, causing difficult evacuation. Qi
Constipation corresponds to constipation with pelvic floor dysfunction,
where impaired coordination of pelvic floor muscles contributes to
difficult defecation.
References
1. Internal Medicine of TCM - Constipation with Qi Constipation.
2. DB-XJB: Wu Mo Yin Zi.
3. WHO. (2023). Digestive health. World Health Organization.
Explore More
- Find your solution at MendGod.com –
Personalized herbal protocols and acupressure tools for digestive
health.
- Deepen your knowledge at TcmCIO.com – Full
research papers and clinical case studies on TCM digestive health.
Related TCM Patterns for Chronic Constipation
Last reviewed: June 2026 | Lead author: Dr. Li Wei, DACM | Content updated: Monthly
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any treatment.